No, it's based on the fact that negative AP represent damage AT THE
END OF A CONTEST - I simply rule that, to coin a phrase, "Vor you,
Tommy, ze var is over!". In other words, your personal contest ends
when you go negative (barring recovery by your own actions), anyone
aiding you must do so AFTER you suffer the consequences of your
defeat. Once one entire side in a Group Extended Contest is defeated,
AP mechanics can no longer be used.

And I did say the use of healing was only for a combat situation -
other abilities would be needed for other situations.